Finding Funds For 'Super Zoo' Attraction Near Sanford Aiming To Become 1 Of Nation's Best

November 29, 1987|By Terry O. Roen of The Sentinel Staff

SANFORD — Turning the Central Florida Zoo into one of the nation's 10 best will take money -- millions of dollars it doesn't have.

So zoo officials are laying plans to beef up attendance, improve the zoo and begin generating the good will needed to get people to back up their good wishes with cash.

Leaders of the effort say it may take five or 10 years before voters can be persuaded to provide the kind of tax support that zoos in Miami, Atlanta and Tampa have used prominently in recent years to complete major renovations.

Orange County voters already have rejected one proposal to fund the zoo, and elected officials in Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties don't see voters accepting higher taxes for it anytime soon. Yet several said they hope someone will come forward with money to build a modern zoo.

Tax support is the biggest question mark in long-range plans that call for conversion of the zoo on U.S. Highway 17-92 near Sanford into an exhibit of native animals and construction of a larger ''super zoo'' somewhere in Central Florida.

''Every major city in the United States has a worldclass zoo,'' said John Smith, past president of the board. ''Orlando is a great city, and we deserve a great zoo.''

The 21-member board of directors is searching for a development director whose ultimate goal will be collecting money for the super zoo. The duties would include raising community awareness, luring corporate sponsorships and encouraging tax subsidies.

Bryce Baker, chairman of the committee trying to fill the job by the end of the year, said the group wants a Central Floridian who is familiar with the zoo, has connections with corporate donors and will work for $30,000 a year.

He said seven people had expressed an interest, but would not name the applicants. Qualified board members also will be considered.

''Certain people on the board are already known quantities'' and spend many hours a week as zoo volunteers, Baker said. ''There's a lot to be said for hiring from within.''

Zoo curator Ed Posey has told the board he is not interested in fund raising but will retain his authority over the zoo by becoming operations director when the development director is hired.

The development director's initial duties would focus on improving exhibits and increasing admissions at the zoo's current site along Lake Monroe, its home since leaving a lot near city hall in 1975.

EXHIBIT WOULD FEATURE NATIVE CREATURES

The board hopes to build a Florida Heritage exhibit featuring animals native to the state in cageless environments that resemble their natural habitats. Eventually, the 25-acre Sanford site would become a satellite operation to the super zoo, where the exotic animals would be moved.

As a step toward that goal, the zoo board is negotiating with Source One Enterprises, an Orlando marketing firm, to begin a media blitz aimed at raising public awareness, revenues and attendance.

The board also is considering a plan to raise admission fees within the next six months to $5.25 for adults, $2.50 for children and $4 for senior citizens. Current rates are $3.50, $1.50 and $2, respectively.

''The emphasis over the next five years will be to get people excited over new exhibits at the Sanford site, increase membership and generate support from the business and corporate community,'' said Susan Morris, zoo board president.

Those same elements have figured strongly in zoo renovations in Tampa, Miami and Atlanta. In each case, officials sought new leadership and money to turn antiquated facilities into showplaces.

TAMPA GAVE ITS ZOO $8.1 MILLION BOOST

Tampa gave the Lowry Park Zoo renovation momentum by awarding an $8.1 million grant to be matched by private donations. The first phase of the $20 million project is scheduled to open in January.

''Public money enabled us to begin construction so the people of Tampa could see action in progress when we launched the campaign for private money,'' said Holly Duncan, development director for the Lowry Park Zoo.

Duncan said the funds were collected with the help of a zoo board that included corporate presidents, developers and members from established Tampa families. Gov. Bob Martinez, the former mayor of Tampa, strongly supported the improvements.

The 12 board members were chosen for their ability to give as well as their willingness to ask for donations, Duncan said.

Major help came from corporations, such as $500,000 from Barnett Bank to build an aviary, $500,000 from General Telephone Co. for graphics and signs in the zoo, and the gift of a hotel that sold for $1.6 million.

The 24-acre zoo is totally subsidized by the city's parks and recreation department. The zoo, which had admitted visitors free, will begin charging admissions of $3 for adults and $1.50 for children.

Zoo superintendent Doug Porter said new exhibits soon will allow the zoo to rely solely on gate admissions and gift and food concessions to pay bills.